9 Best Women’s Hiking Shirts In Australia For 2024

Hiking can be many things. It can be a walk in the wildly rugged mountains, a vast and exposed alpine trail, a wander beneath a dense rainforest canopy, or a salty trek along a beach track. But the one thing that each trail has in common is a high chance of sweat and exposure to the elements.

Choosing the best women’s hiking shirts for your adventure style is more complicated than simply chucking on your favourite cotton tee. With sweat and interchangeable weather conditions a given, the best hiking shirt needs to be quick drying, odour-resistant and fit perfectly within your layering system – all of which cotton does terribly. 

We’ve spent many days on the trails, beginning with temperatures below freezing before finding ourselves on an exposed ridgeline sweating and daydreaming about cooling off in an icy alpine lake. 

The need for a hiking shirt that can handle whatever the weather throws your way is imperative to keeping you feeling your best. But that doesn’t mean you have to invest in a bulky button-up hiking shirt that screams safari tour – unless that’s your style! There are plenty of options out there for women’s hiking shirts that will keep your body temperature regulated while accommodating your style. 

In this post, you’ll find a detailed guide on how to find the best women’s hiking shirts, including the various options, what factors to be wary of, and a list of the best women’s hiking shirts in Australia for 2024. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase of a product we recommend through one of our links, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you! This helps to support our blog and enables us to continue providing you with helpful tips and exciting adventures, so thank you 🙂

How To Choose The Best Hiking Shirts For Women

If you’ve never thought about what hiking shirt you should wear, it might come as a surprise to know that there are actually a fair few components that come together to create the best top for hiking. 

But before you can begin to make a decision on the best hiking shirt for you, it’s important to understand what features your adventures will demand. 

Define Your Hiking Style

Each factor that you’ll consider before choosing the best women’s hiking shirts revolves around one key question – where will you be hiking?

Understanding the needs that your hiking destinations will enforce is the first step, after which you can weigh each of the other factors and find a hiking top that will keep you comfortable in the elements you’re likely to face. 

The major questions regarding your hiking style and planned destinations are:

• How warm does the weather typically get?
• Are the trails predominantly exposed to the sun?
• Is wet weather common?
• Is there a large shift in elevation?
• Do you plan to hike for multiple days with a backpack?
• Are there loads of insects?
• Will you be hiking through rough terrain with the potential for scraping against rocks and trees?

The reasons for these questions will become clearer as you move through this guide, but for those in a hurry, here is a quick and basic buyer’s guide for the best women’s hiking shirts.

Women’s Hiking Shirt Features

There are two main features that all the best hiking tops will have, these are moisture-wicking and odour-resistant properties. I suggest making these your top priority, closely followed by sun protection. 

Moisture-Wicking 

You may have come across the term ‘moisture-wicking’ on some of your gear before. This basically means the material used has the ability to draw moisture to the fabric’s outer surface and dry rapidly, keeping your sweat away from your body and your clothes dry and comfortable.

Wool and synthetic materials such as polyester, polypropylene and nylon are all naturally moisture-wicking. 

Odour-Resistance

Clothing with odour-resistant properties is constructed with an antimicrobial component that is designed to eliminate odour-causing bacteria before it mixes with sweat. Wool is naturally odour-resistant and the best option to ensure the garment is still sustainable. 

For synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon, odour resistance is created by the use of silver which isn’t always sustainable. Some brands such as The North Face and Kathmandu use Polygiene, an odour-control product that is Bluesign Approved and uses natural silver salt made from recycled silver.

Sun Protection

No matter if you’re hiking in winter or summer, it’s important to take sun protection into consideration. Synthetic materials are the best protectors from the sun, as are darker-coloured and denser woven fabrics. 

Often you’ll find a UPF rating on a shirt that indicates how protective it will be in blocking the sun’s UV rays. We suggest purchasing a hiking top that has a UPF of at least 30 for milder climates and UPF 50+ for warmer climates.

Best Fabrics For Hiking Shirts

Choosing the best fabric for hiking shirts follows much the same process as finding the best base layers. You’re ultimately searching for the fabric that has the best performance in moisture-wicking, odour-resistance and durability. 

The most common fabrics that will be used for women’s hiking shirts are merino wool, synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon and Tencel, or a blend of wool and synthetic fabrics. 

Merino Wool 

Merino wool is not only the best performer in base layers, but it also offers supreme temperature control for hiking shirts. With good moisture-wicking properties and high odour resistance, it’s the perfect option for hiking in the mountains where you’re likely to transition from hot to cold multiple times. 

The negative that is often discussed with merino hiking shirts is their lack of durability. And while I have received a few holes in my years-old merino base layers, I have yet to find any wear and tear on my merino hiking shirts after heavy and rough use. 

A merino wool hiking shirt should have a fabric weight of less than 175 g in order to keep you cool enough as you exert more energy whilst on the move. 

• Moisture-wicking: Very Good
• Odour-resistant: Excellent
• Durability: Good

Synthetic Fabrics

Synthetic fibres have the highest moisture-wicking abilities and can keep you cool and dry for multiple days. The most common synthetic material used in hiking t-shirts is polyester and nylon in button-up shirts. While they’re generally a more durable option compared to merino wool, they do lack slightly in odour control. 

Many synthetic hiking shirts are now constructed with a chemical odour-resistance property which can cause them to be unsustainable. Look for options that use Polygiene for their odour control. 

• Moisture-wicking: Excellent
• Odour-resistant: Good
• Durability: Very Good

Blended Fabrics

Hiking shirts that have a blend of merino wool and synthetic fabrics can offer the best of both worlds. Generally, with this combination, you’ll receive a top that has exceptional moisture-wicking, odour-resistance and durability. 

• Moisture-wicking: Very Good
• Odour-resistant: Very Good
• Durability: Good

Lyocell (TENCEL)

Lyocell is a form of rayon that is made of wood pulp. It’s become quite popular in the clothing industry lately for its sustainability, durability and comfort. It’s often used in conjunction with either merino wool or polyester to make a blend. 

TENCEL is the leading brand of lyocell production and is the main name you’ll see when you’re looking at the materials used in a product. 

• Moisture-wicking: Very Good
• Odour-resistant: Not Good
• Durability: Excellent

Bamboo

Bamboo is a tough one for the outdoors and causes many debates. On the one hand, it’s often a great sustainable option and the material offers high properties of warmth, breathability and comfort. 

However, bamboo takes an incredibly long time to dry which is not ideal when you’re out in the mountains and potentially sweating all day. I recently purchased a bamboo singlet and am yet to decide whether it will continue to come with me on my hikes or not for this reason.

• Moisture-wicking: Good
• Odour-resistant: Good
• Durability: Good

Material To Avoid While Hiking

Cotton

I’m sure you’ve heard this before but I’ll say it again – cotton has no place in the hiking world, especially for a layer touching your skin. 

When cotton gets wet, which is highly likely in the form of sweat, it stops insulating due to the air pockets in the fabric filling with moisture. This might keep you cool if it’s a hot day and a nice breeze is blowing, but as soon as the temperature drops your sweat will cool and the cotton touching your skin will make you ten times colder. 

Some people will argue and say that cotton is an ideal fabric to use when you’re hiking in extreme heat, however, cotton is terrible at controlling odour and takes forever to dry. So personally, I will only wear a cotton t-shirt if I am going on a really short and easy hike. 

Linen

Linen has much the same properties as cotton and therefore, should be avoided when you’re out hiking. While it offers exceptional coolness for summer hiking, perhaps even more than cotton, it doesn’t dry quick enough and will cause you to freeze if the temperatures drop. 

Hiking Shirts Designs

As you may have guessed, there aren’t too many details to discuss when it comes to the design of a women’s hiking shirt. Other than a few factors, the rest is totally up to personal preference. 

Seam Construction

If you’re like me, you’ve likely never thought of how your clothing has been sewn together. But when you’re wearing a heavy pack on your shoulders you’ll want to avoid as much rubbing from annoying seams against your skin as possible. 

These are the two most common ways that a hiking shirt will be sewn in order to avoid irritation. 

• Flatlock seams: These are created by placing two pieces of fabric side-by-side and sewing the edges directly together, rather than the traditional way of overlapping the edges. Overlapping the edges creates a flap that can begin to irritate your skin after some time
• Forward sewn seams: This is when the shoulder seams are sewn further forward in order to avoid chafing at the top of the shoulders by a backpack

The Fit

The fit of your hiking shirt is a completely personal preference, however, it is ideal to have a shirt that is a touch longer at the back to avoid it riding up with a backpack and creating an unappealing sunburn line on your back! 

Most hiking shirts, whether they’re button-ups or t-shirts, will be loose-fitting to allow for airflow to keep you cool. 

Short-Sleeve Vs Long-Sleeve Shirts For Hiking

Again, whether you choose to hike in long or short sleeves is entirely up to you. Long sleeves will give you better sun protection and warmth if the temperature drops slightly. Yet short sleeves will allow for more airflow and keep you cooler for longer.

Hiking Shirts Vs Hiking T-shirts

Personally, I prefer t-shirts to button-up shirts simply because I find that the buttons get annoying with my backpack and I don’t particularly like the still feel you get with the majority of options. 

But in saying that, button-up shirts are the best for temperature control as you can add a tank top underneath and leave the shirt open when you get too hot.

Sustainability

Sustainability is an incredibly important factor in our opinion and one we consider seriously before reviewing or purchasing any products. The most sustainable option for a hiking shirt is to buy second-hand, but if that’s not possible then there are a few other things you can look out for to ensure you’re doing your best to shop sustainably.  

• Choose an item that has recycled fabrics
• Support a sustainable outdoor brand
• Only buy merino wool that has been ethically sourced, look for a Woolmark, RWS or GOTS label. 
• For synthetic fibres that aren’t recycled, choose items with a Bluesign Approved label

9 Best Women’s Hiking Shirts In Australia For 2024

Women’s Hiking Shirt Comparison Table

1. The North Face Women’s Elevation Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

The North Face Women’s Elevation Short-Sleeve tee is a remarkable choice for those seeking a lightweight and breathable shirt for long days on the trail. Crafted with The North Face’s innovative FlashDry technology, this jersey-knit fabric ensures optimal breathability and moisture-wicking, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout long days of exercise.

What It’s Good For:

The recycled material of the Elevation Short-Sleeve T-shirt is super soft and breathable against the skin and with its standard, true-to-size fit, this shirt is an ideal companion for long days of hiking in the summer heat.

Price: $60 AUD
Sizes: XS-2XL
Material: 150D 146 g/m² 100% recycled polyester jersey knit with FlashDry™
Weight: 170g
Colours: Orange, Black
Sustainable: 100% Recycled Polyester

Features

• The North Face’s FlashDry technology wicks away moisture
• Lightweight jersey-knit fabric for increased breathability
• Constructed with 100% recycled polyester 
• 25” centre back length
• Rounded hem
• Ultra-soft fabric for increased comfort
• Standard relaxed fit
• Forward set shoulder seams

2. XTM Performance Adventure 170 Merino Ladies Short Sleeve Thermal Top

I’ve been wearing the XTM Performance Adventure 170 Merino Long-Sleeve Tee for quite some time now and can honestly say that I love them. The hiking shirt is lightweight, super breathable and wicks moisture away superbly. 

Not to mention, there are some really cool designs for the long-sleeve and short-sleeve Adventure 170s that look good for everyday wear as well.

What It’s Good For:

The XTM Performance Adventure 170 Merino Ladies Long-Sleeve Thermal Top is an ideal companion for hikes where you know you’ll be faced with interchangeable weather. The long-sleeve tee regulates temperature well and is easy to layer when the weather gets cold. 

Price: $100 AUD
Sizes: 8-16
Material: 41% Australian Merino (170gsm) / 41% Tencel / 13% Nylon Core, 5% Elastane
Weight: Unknown
Colours: Light Grey, Black, Mid Grey, Moss Green, Navy
Sustainable: Woolmark certified merino wool, partially natural fibres, certified carbon neutral product

Features

• 170 g merino allows for superior odour-resistant properties
• Tencel and Nylon blend allows for increased durability and moisture-wicking abilities
• Flatlock seams throughout shirt to minimise chafing
• Set in sleeves for increased comfort
• UPF 50 + sun protection
• Certified Carbon Neutral product
• Woolmark Blend Certified

3. SHREDLY Long Sleeve Top

I recently had the pleasure of testing some of SHREDLY’s gear that is predominantly mountain bike focused, however, this long-sleeve top has fast become my favourite hiking shirt for cooler weather. 

The material is super soft and form-fitting, allowing for warmth to generate. But before you scroll away thinking you need something a little lighter, the back is made with a mesh panel to allow for extra breathability and temperature control. 

But perhaps the best part about this company is its dedication to sustainability and helping women find outdoor apparel that they feel comfortable in. 

What It’s Good For:

The SHREDLY long-sleeve top is good for those alpine hikes where you’ll transition from cold to hot frequently. It’s also a great base layer for those chilly winter hikes. 

Price: $80 AUD
Sizes: XS-2XL
Material: ecoFAB performance blend (recycled polyester/tencel/lycra)
Weight: Unknown
Colours: Terracotta, Navy, Black, Pink
Sustainable: Recycled and natural fibres

Features

• Breathable and moisture-wicking fabric
• Anti-microbial properties for odour-control
• Constructed with recycled and natural fibres
• Mesh back panel for extra breathability
• Zippered stash pocket at lower back for those small and necessary items
• Ultra-soft fabric for increased comfort
• Thumbholes to keep your sleeves in place and your hands warmer

4. Mountain Designs Women’s Corespun Tee

The Mountain Designs Women’s Corespun Tee is a fine example of a merino blend that has ticked all the boxes. The majority of the shirt is made of Australian-sourced merino wool which allows for the tee to be lightweight and naturally odour-resistant and moisture-wicking.

The nylon that’s blended with the merino increases the strength and stretch of the shirt, allowing for extra comfort and durability. While there is no information regarding the sun protection status of the Corespun Tee, the dark fabric will at least block some of the harmful rays.  

What It’s Good For:

The Mountain Designs Women’s Corespun Tee will keep your body temperature regulated throughout a hike and can be worn year-round, on its own in summer and as a layer in winter. The naturally odour-resistant qualities will also keep this shirt feeling fresh on a multi-day hike. 

Price: $100 AUD
Sizes: 8-18
Material: 89% Merino wool (150gsm) 11% nylon
Weight: 113g
Colours: Black
Sustainable: Woolmark certified merino wool

Features

• Highly breathable and light material 
• Blend allows for the best of both worlds with natural odour resistance and high moisture-wicking properties
• 150 g merino wool is super lightweight and cool
• The main t-shirt seams are flat locked for extra comfort
• The shoulder seams are set back to avoid rubbing with a backpack
• Self-fabric binding on the inside of neck for comfort
• Added Nylon increases durability

5. Patagonia Women’s Long Sleeve Capilene Cool Merino Graphic Shirt

The Patagonia Women’s Long Sleeve Capilene Cool Merino Graphic Shirt is a blended tee that looks good on and off the trail with its stylish design and colours. The shirt is made from 65% RWS certified merino wool and 35% recycled polyester and has high properties of moisture-wicking and odour-control.

The Capilene Cool Merino tee has raving reviews about its warmth-weight ratio and allows you to stay warm in cool weather while also staying cool in warm weather. 

What It’s Good For:

The lightweight and sustainable design of the Patagonia Women’s Long Sleeve Capilene Cool Merino Graphic Shirt makes this the perfect companion for gruelling multi-day treks where you’ll need a durable and comfortable shirt no matter the weather. The addition of the drop tail hem also avoids the potential for the shirt to ride up with a big backpack. 

Price: $130 AUD
Sizes: 2XS-2XL
Material: 65% RWS-certified merino wool, 35% recycled polyester jersey
Weight: 113g
Colours: Blue, Sage
Sustainable: RWS merino wool, recycled polyester

Features

• Blending fabric is comfortable and moisture-wicking
• Naturally odour-resistant
• Side vents for extra breathability
• Drop tail hem to avoid the t-shirt riding up with a backpack
• Responsible Wool Standard certified merino wool
• Recycled polyester used adds durability
• Set in sleeves enhances movement and fit
• FairTrade Certified sewn
• Bluesign Approved product

6. Wilderness Wear Women’s Cool Merino 155 Hike Tee

A blend of superfine Tasmanian Merino wool and TENCEL fabric means that the Wilderness Wear Women’s Cool Merino 155 Hike Tee ticks all the boxes. The TENCEL provides extra durability while the merino naturally offers odour-resistance and moisture-wicking properties. 

The relaxed fit and flatlock seams across the entire garment afford high levels of comfort, making it a great option for long days on the trails. 

What It’s Good For:

The Cool Merino 155 Hike Tee is a winner for long hikes where you need a good mix of durability and comfort that can only be found in a soft merino wool shirt. 

Price: $100 AUD
Sizes: 8-16
Material: 70% Superfine Australian Merino (155gsm) 30% Tencel
Weight: Unknown
Colours: Red
Sustainable: Sustainably sourced Tasmanian Merino and natural fibres

Features

• Relaxed fit for increased airflow
• Added Tencel increases durability
• The t-shirt has double-sewn flatlock seams
• The addition of nano-fibrils supports moisture transportation
• Naturally odour-resistant
• Self-fabric binding on the inside of the neck for comfort
• Added Nylon increases durability
• High moisture-wicking properties

7. The North Face Women’s First Trail UPF Long-Sleeve Shirt

If durability is your number one need, then The North Face Women’s First Trail UPF Long-Sleeve Shirt will be your go-to. This button-up shirt is constructed with a 60D (denier) 100% recycled polyester ripstop, making it one of the toughest options on this list as well as one of the most sustainable! 

The built-in moisture-wicking FlashDry technology is designed to keep you cool and dry, while the UPF 40+ sun-resistant fabric will protect you from the sun when the temperatures soar. 

What It’s Good For:

The North Face Women’s First Trail UPF Long-Sleeve Shirt is an ideal choice for those hiking in exposed locations where you need superior protection from the sun and increased durability. 

Price: $130 AUD
Sizes: XS-XL
Material: 100% recycled polyester ripstop with FlashDry™ Technology-XD™
Weight: 225 g
Colours: White, Light Pink
Sustainable: Recycled Polyester

Features

• The North Face’s FlashDry Technology XD wicks away moisture and increases abrasion resistance
• Forward shoulder seams allow extra comfort when wearing a backpack 
• Constructed with 100% recycled polyester 
• Mesh underlay in a back yoke for venting to increase breathability
• Chest pocket for small items
• The sleeves have buttons and tabs to easily roll them up
• The sleeves have adjustable button cuffs
• The shirt has a UPF 40+

8. Patagonia Women’s Capilene Cool Trail Shirt

The Patagonia Women’s Capilene Cool Trail Shirt is a soft technical top that has exceptional quick-drying and moisture-wicking properties. While the fabric isn’t naturally odour-resistant, the HeiQ Pure odour control technology does a cracking job at keeping this shirt fresh for days. 

The design of the shirt is flattering and comfortable, with a scoop neck and drop hem for a relaxed style that will also work well with a backpack. 

What It’s Good For:

The Women’s Capilene Cool Trail Shirt will be an ideal choice for warm days on the trail where durability and temperature control are needed. 

Price: $60 AUD
Sizes: 2XS-2XL
Material: 100% polyester (heathers: 50% recycled; stripes: 86% recycled) spun jersey
Weight: 119g
Colours: Navy, Sage, Brown/Black Striped, Light Plum Grey
Sustainable: FairTrade Certified, Bluesign Approved, partially recycled fabrics

Features

• HeiQ® Pure odour control keeps you fresh for longer
• Scoop neck design with a drop tail hem to prevent the t-shirt from riding up with a backpack
• Raglan sleeves with a gusseted underarm to reduce chances of chafing and increase range of movement
• Shoulder seams are forward sewn to avoid rubbing against a backpack
• Super lightweight and breathable design
• FairTrade Certified sewn
• Bluesign Approved product

9. The North Face Women’s EA Dawndream Relaxed Short-Sleeve

The North Face EA Dawndream Relaxed Short-Sleeve Shirt offers a little extra style to your hiking attire with its slightly cropped and boxy fit. The tee is a blend of recycled polyester and lyocell to allow for a durable yet comfortable hiking shirt. 

The shirt is designed with The North Face’s FlashDry technology to keep you dry and cool, with odour-control properties and UPF 40+ sun protection. 

What It’s Good For:

The shorter length of the EA Dawndream Relaxed Short-Sleeve Shirt isn’t quite compatible with an overnight backpack, but this tee is perfect for day hikes where sun protection, style and comfort are of most importance. 

Price: $80 AUD
Sizes: XS-2XL
Material: 84% recycled polyester, 11% Lyocell, 5% elastane knit with FlashDry™ Technology™
Weight: 250g
Colours: Light Pink, Light Orange
Sustainable: Recycled materials

Features

• Relaxed fit
• Slightly cropped, split drop tail hem and boxy fit are stylish
• Utilises EcoActive material
• The fabric has anti-odour properties
• The FlashDry technology allows for exceptional moisture-wicking properties to keep you cool and dry
• Set in sleeves in the front with forward sewn seams to avoid chafing
• Yoke construction in the back for increased mobility
• UPF 40 + sun protection
• Sustainably conscious material is super soft and comfortable

Final Thoughts

We hope that this guide helps you to find the perfect women’s hiking shirt for your adventures! Just remember, cotton is not ideal in the outdoors as it doesn’t breath well or dry quickly. Try to find recycled materials where you can and choose sustainably made. If you have a shirt you love that isn’t on this list, let us know in the comments below!

Happy Hiking!